Christmas Letter 2014

Dear family and friends.

It is now 2015, for more than a few days now.  But in my defense J , I have been writing this Christmas letter/blog entry in my head since Boxing Day.  You see, Bruce and Eric Vrieling (elder and deacon from our home church) arrived on Boxing Day with a big envelope of Christmas letters, cards, and pictures from our home church – thank-you for your love and support – and I was inspired to write something up and do some reflecting of my own.  The problem is taking the time to sit down and write it out!  So here we are.  It is good to reflect, for when we do, we can be reminded of the faithfulness of our Father in heaven and all the blessings He has showered upon us. 

2014… I remember when 2014 began, Matt and I joked at how this would be the year that nothing happened.  You see, since we first met (2009), a major event has taken place place each year.  In 2010 we got engaged and 2011 we got married.  Then in 2012 we moved to Mexico and Naomi was born, and Steven was born in 2013.  But while we did not have a big family event in this past year, it was a significant year in another way - our fellow missionaries, Richard & Angela Bout and their family returned to Canada in May of this year.  This was a big change for us and for the church.  We had many questions… How would the church handle this big change? Would people continue attending?  Would Matt be able to handle the workload? What would it like to be “alone” on the field?  We were thankful, so thankful, for the almost 2 ½ years the Lord gave us with them, working alongside them, watching, learning, conversing, becoming adopted into their family.  It was hard to watch them leave, to see the pain of parting for them, for the church. But life carries on, and with great thanks to the Lord, each and every day the Lord has given grace to take that next step, to carry on in His work here…to counsel that couple even when we are not feeling so experienced or wise, to organize the next retreat, to host the Christmas dinner and New Year’s party, to help lead the ladies bible study, to write sermons and teach, to giving bible studies.  The Lord provides.  This should not have been a surprise for us.  It is what the Lord has done for us so many times in the many changes that we have experienced in these last years.  Giving us all we needed to take that next step, and do the work that He set before us that day.  While not all has gone perfectly, and we have much growing to do – we will be the first ones to admit that – we can give thanks for the opportunities to serve and grow and learn.  The church has been patient, and thankfully has done some growing of its own.  Many of the cracks and holes and gaps left by the Bout family have been filled, not just by us, but by members of the church.  Praise the Lord for that!! We are so thankful to have Pastor and Mrs. Bout here as well for a few months.  Their experience and godly wisdom is invaluable.  

We love having our own place.  It’s great to be able to host groups.  And, what a blessing for our little family.  We have a little grass out front, but also have access to the empty lot next door.  Naomi loves the tire swing, and Steven is getting the hang of it as well.  And then there are the family baseball games that have already begun to happen.  Steven hit his first homerun just the other day.  It’s a fair bit of space to maintain, but it’s helpful to get us outside and get our hands dirty every so often.  As I write, Matt and Naomi are cleaning up the banana tree in the side lot.  

Naomi is 2 ½, and the world of colouring, counting, talking, and doing twirls has opened wide.  How exciting to be able to talk to her about the Lord, and we are amazed at what she is able to understand during our family devotion times.  Steven (1) is more into eating Cheerios and whatever food he can get his hands on, smiling and waving, walking behind his little walker, and admiring his big sister.  He is easy going, and happily gets passed from arm to arm each Sunday.

I’ve picked out some of my favourite pictures from the past year.  My original idea was to choose one from each month, but that was just too hard. 

Greetings to each of you.  May you grow in faith and love in this new year ahead.   

Pastor Matt & Anne-Marie Van Dyken

Naomi: "Those were the days, when Steven would just lay on my lap..." Sigh.

Oops!

Off to church with Grandma Dora.

Yes, we have a yard now.  Yard = yard work.  A good thing.

Naomi's good friends from church.

This was the day that we retired the bouncy chair.

Irving carrying the snake out of our house (it was hiding out in the box) and Matt following close behind with the machete.  (The snake was not too big and non-poisonous.)

One high-light of the year, our church's first Talent Night.

Whenever Naomi sees this picture, she laughs and says, "Mommy, two babies!"

Another good friend of Naomi's.

Infestation of stinging caterpillars.  We counted 18 in this picture.  Matt thinks he has killed 80 of these since we moved in here.  One was our pet for a little while.

Another high-light of the year - the church retreat in November.

Fun times at the retreat.

Matt looks forward to chilly winter mornings so that he can start a fire in the fireplace.

Grandma Dora came to visit in December for a week.  Naomi was thrilled! (We were too).

Church Christmas program.

   

   

A New Chapter

This past Saturday we had Ladies Bible Study.  And it was my turn to lead.  I had led part of the study in the past, and had one time done the whole study.  But this was the first time to do it without Angela there.  I was nervous, as always, but I knew that Maria would be there.  Maria is a long-time member, a wise, godly woman, the kind of person that makes you feel a little better because you know that if you don’t quite understand what someone is saying and just how to respond, or you make a significant theological error due to your difficulties in the language yet, she will speak up and respond appropriately.  Maria is my security blanket.  So, Saturday morning, we arrived at the church at 10:30am (when the study is supposed to start).  One other lady was there.  Over the next little while, more ladies trickled in, until we were a group of 7 or so.  But Maria had not yet arrived.  I started to feel just a little more nervous.  By 11:00, the ladies were sort of looking at me.  Gulp.  Well, I guess we should begin.  “Lord, it’s You and me.  Please help me,” I prayed silently.  So, we began our study with prayer.  I said ‘Amen’, and guess who walked in the door.  Maria.  The Lord teaches me, “I am sufficient.  Trust in me.”   

  

Richard & Angela and their children left a few weeks ago.  I’m not sure I remember feeling so sad ever saying good-bye.  (A close second would be moving to Mexico, but being 6 months pregnant and with 3 weeks to pack up and move, I think I was too numb with exhaustion by the time we had to say good-bye to feel too much).  What a rich 2 ½ years the Lord gave to us to work alongside them.  What a blessing they were to us, how much we learned from them.  They took us in as family.  Their children, our adopted nieces and nephews, each one, became so dearly precious to us.  One day they were here, the next day we moved into their house.   Our house.  How strange at first.  Naomi walking around the house, wondering where all her friends went.  Walking up the front steps, expecting their warm smiles to greet us.  And yet, here too, the Lord has been so good.  What did Matt say to me the other night? He noted how this house was feeling like home already.  I had to agree.   And well, they did leave one family member behind – Scooby the dog.  (I have been reminded of the truth of this statement:  “never say never.”  I still can’t believe I have a dog that comes in the house at times). 

Just as hard was watching the church say good-bye.  I don’t have words to express how much this family meant the church here.  How they have walked alongside so many, in difficult times, helping to carry their burdens, holding out the Word of Life to them.   And then thinking of the children and young people of the church - how much it has meant for them to have a solid Christian friend, few and far between here.

And yet we feel the Lord sustaining us.  We have had some very rich, blessed Sundays.  There is a sense of going forward, of working together.  Matt just got home from a bible study led by our deacon and was so encouraged by the excellent job he did.  One of the ladies has offered to take over some of the organizing of supplies at the church.  On Sunday, the young people’s made sandwiches to bring to the hospital (a monthly event) with the help of a married couple, and we were not involved at all and could have some people over for lunch.  These are all big steps, encouraging times.  Matt realizes that he cannot do it all, and is working hard to hand over as much as (wisely) possible.   

Matt looks forward to starting a new members class soon.  A family with one young son, a newly married couple, and a young mother are all eager to work towards membership.

The last half year or so I have been a bit down regarding my Spanish.  Sometimes I feel just plain weary of feeling a bit (or a lot) dumb all the time.  Always understanding most of what is said, but not all.  Not getting the jokes.  Sometimes it gets a little old.  My natural reaction that I’ve had to fight against lately is one of two responses: switching into English when at all possible – although without the Bouts here, I can’t do that too much anymore – or retreating into myself and not reaching out, not trying to start conversations.  I pray for the right focus – it’s not about my pride, but about bringing glory to God.  Now that we are a little more settled here, I hope to be able to focus a bit more on this again.  We are looking into the possibility of having someone come to the house to help with cleaning and conversation for me (and maybe teach me some good Mexican cooking).  

We thank you for your prayers.  We are sure that many of you are praying, because we feel so upheld and encouraged.  And yet we ask that you continue.  Pray for the people of our church.  That the Lord will encourage each of them, and that He will continue to use this time to strengthen the church.   Pray for Matt as he takes on the full responsibility here.  And please pray for encouragement in the language for me.   There is much work and many needs!

God's blessings to you all!  

    The Van Dykens.

Time at the park with friends from our old apartment.

Celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary.

We are so enjoying our new place.

Pure joy in the jolly jumper.  Don't mind what's in the background.  This is the only doorway that we can use it in. :)

Good morning!

Enjoying the front lawn.

Birth Announcements

Most likely you have already heard of the birth of our son Steven John, whom the Lord gave to us in December of this past year.  If you remember, Naomi was born in Guadalajara, a very big city about three hours away.  Steven, however, was born in Tepic.  The difference between the two births was quite remarkable.  The clinic we went to in Guadalajara was very "natural", if I can say it that way.  They encouraged me as a husband to do as much as was possible to help.  The clinic we went to in Tepic, however, was very "clinical" and had much more of a sterile feel to it.  I had to suit up in an operating suit, complete with blue booties and mask, to be able to be present at Steven's birth.  Anne-Marie even had to plead with the doctors to let me in well before the final few minutes!  Know, however, that though we were very happy with both clinics, we do feel a bit more comfortable with this past experience in Tepic.  The doctors and nurses were professional, excellent, and caring!

The important thing, though, is that the Lord has now blessed us with two healthy and happy children.  Naomi is growing up to be a real people-person, while Steven is the easiest baby imaginable, who loves nothing more than to return smiles.  Here you can see a picture of us when Steven was born, and two more recent pictures.

Meeting Steven

More Recently

The Two Mexicans

But, as you may have noticed, the title of this blog post is Birth AnnouncementS.  What can that be, you might be wondering?  No, the Lord has not given us twins!  Rather we had the privilege over the past two Sundays to receive two different families as members of our church.  Omar and Itzel and their eldest son Omar made public profession of their faith two Sundays ago, and four of their family of five received the sign and seal of baptism.  This past Sunday, as well, another couple, Reynaldo and Zenaida, made public profession of their faith in our church.  The latter was particularly special for me, as I have been giving them profession of faith classes for the past year or so.  It is beautiful to see the fruit of the Lord's work in these different lives, to desire to profess their faith before the world, Christ's Church, and God Himself.  We praise the Lord, for we know that it is He who has been at work! 

Omar & Itzel & Family

Reynaldo & Zenaida

And finally, thank-you for all of your prayers for us and little and big things you have done to show your love for us!  We do find ourselves quite well supported, and we thank-you for that.  And thank-you for all your reminders to write this blog post and others!  :-) 

The Past 8 Months (we're still alive!)

Well, it is high time that something goes up on this blog.  Seeing as we haven’t written for awhile (thank-you for your patience! - the truth is that it’s been about 8 months now), I thought I’d try to highlight something from each month that has passed us by, and then end by telling you about a wonderful weekend we had just recently.

Okay, here we go…

March: Hmmm, not remembering too much from this month…. Oh, except for one very important thing:  We found out that the Lord had blessed our family with a new life.  Pretty amazing for us, and so thankful we are.

April: Our siblings came to visit!  Garnet, Sarah, & Ruth were here for a week and helped us to celebrate Naomi’s first birthday.  

May: We had a very encouraging, wonderful 10 days with a group of 15 from Canada & the US.  We were amazed to see how many seeds were planted.  May the Lord yet grant (more) growth!

The Whole Team

 

The Team Hard at Work

 

 June & July: Richard & Angela & family left to Canada for 2 months, and we moved into their house.  We were ”on our own” for 8 weeks or so, and experienced a mix of ups and downs, but felt very blessed by the Lord.

August: We received our permanent resident cards!!  This was quite the stressful, trying time, and the Lord taught us much about trusting in Him.   These cards do not have an expiry date, which means that we will not have to renew our Visas every year – an incredible blessing! 

Permanent Resident Cards!

September: We enjoyed a four week visit to Ontario.  One week with each side of the family at a cottage, some time with our Church family, a trip up to Ottawa to visit my parents, some visits with friends… four weeks flew by pretty quickly.  And such wonderful times! But with much thanks to the Lord, when the time came, we were ready to return home, and happily and quickly settled into our lives here once again. 

October:  Dad & Mom Van Dyken came for a visit!  What a rich two weeks we had with them.  Naomi just loved having Grandpa and “Mama” (as she called Grandma) here, and she enjoyed lots of extra walks and attention.   We also went to our first Mexican wedding this month.  Charlie & Debbie are neighbours here in the apartment building. 

Charlie & Debbie

Grandpa, Grandma, and one very happy grand-child

 

And here we are in November.  Let me tell you about two weekends ago.  We had the joy of participating in our bi-annual church retreat.  All seventy-five of us (yes, a large group – just about everyone from the church plus some family members and friends!) left the church Friday morning, and headed to Santa Maria del Oro, where we enjoyed two days of inspiring speeches, uplifting songs, great fellowship, and delicious food.  We were doubly blessed by having a pastor & wife & sister join us from Guadalajara.  Gonzalo and his wife Celia are serving the Lord by planting a church (Presbyterian) in a little town called Santa Ana, which is part of GDL, and actually very close to where we lived while we were at language school.  Celia and her sister Teresa (who used to visit me in GDL to help me with my Spanish) sing beautifully, and also have amazing testimonies of how the Lord called them to Himself.  It was a great encouragement to everyone to have them there.  They really took an interest in each of us.  Then on Sunday, after the church service, we had our own little concert in the church.  So, a very full, rich weekend .  We thank the Lord for this.        

Retreat Group Photo

 

Today marks 37 weeks in my pregnancy.  Three more weeks to go.  Or maybe less, if my doctor and all the ladies at church are right. J  We are getting quite excited to meet this little one.  Naomi likes to point at my tummy and give kisses to the baby, but she also thinks that Daddy has a baby in his tummy too, along with Grandpa and Grandma when they were here.  J    

Somehow, most of the above monthly hi-lights have something to do with having visitors from Canada or going to Canada.  But the honest truth is that as much as we love having visitors and sharing our lives and what the Lord is doing here with them, we also do really love our normal lives here.  Matt continues to enjoy very much working alongside Richard, and we are treasuring the time we have with them here yet.  Matt keeps very busy with preaching every other week, leading Bible studies throughout the week, teaching Sunday school, setting up a better sound system for the church, giving guitar lessons to some of the young people, ….. and doing all sorts of odd jobs here and there.  Matt & Naomi & I enjoyed setting up a table for our church at a local tianguis (outdoor market) awhile ago, and hope to be able to do this again sometime.  And amazingly, we are still able to enjoy lots of family time.  I’m especially thankful to be able to share three meals a day together – something most families don’t get to experience.   

Here are some random pictures of our life in Tepic.

Naomi and her good friend Daniela

Our adopted nephews and nieces  :-)

 

At the local library

 

Saturday Morning Ladies' Bible Study

 

Well, that’s all for now.  Lord-willing, we will have some more happy news to share with you all soon. 

May the Lord bless and keep you. 

Matt & Anne-Marie